Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I am dealing now with the Tasmanian issues. The member for Franklin also asked about the funding profile for the Hobart airport. There is a bit over $3 million in 2014-15, $28½ million in 2015-16 and $6½ million in 2016-17. Those numbers are in the budget documents. I can confirm for her that our funding of $38 million is for the runway extension, not for the terminal buildings or other matters that were announced just recently. Those are issues for the airport and for the private sector.

The member for Franklin also raised the question of rates, or the ex-gratia payments in lieu of rates, and that has been an issue in Launceston. Yes, it is true; my department has been talking with them in seeking to find a resolution to the issues. Currently, this matter is in the courts and, as a result, we will have to allow the court processes to run their course. Hopefully, some of the decisions that are made in that court case will provide guidance to the major airport owners right across the nation so that this question of ex-gratia payments is clear and understood by all.

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